Greetings From Ann Arbor, Mi

[AnnArborGuy]

Hey all! Just acquired a 2003 Pathfinder LE, originally belonged to my father who bought it new in 2003 when I went to work for Nissan North America. He since sold it to my sis, who just sold it to me as she doesn't need it anymore.

 

It's in great condition, especially considering it has 103,000 miles. I've put some maintenance into it this past week, new BFGoodrich Long Trail Tour tires, and have removed some of the accessories that my father had originally installed. He had installed a brush guard up front, but in the interest of trying to get better mileage out of it, I've removed the front brush guard, the roof rack crossbars, the hitch ball, and both factory standard running boards. The total weight savings: 105 lbs.! Hopefully that savings, plus the improved aerodynamics now that there isn't so much drag on the thing, will help boost it above 14 mpg!

 

I may post the brush guard for sale in the classifieds section soon. You can see it installed in the "before" pic below.

 

I look forward to getting all kinds of great tips & knowledge from other enthusiasts! Cheers!

 

Before I stripped it:

 

After I stripped it:

[01silvapathy]

Woah, you took off the brush guard to save weight? Really it wont affect it at all! In fact I do believe that the truck looks better with it on...but hey thats my opinion. Welcome otherwise

[AnnArborGuy]

Woah, you took off the brush guard to save weight? Really it wont affect it at all! In fact I do believe that the truck looks better with it on...but hey thats my opinion. Welcome otherwise

 

 

I did, and saved nearly 40 lbs. that hang off the front end! All in all, removing the brush guard, running boards, and roof rack crossbars has changed the handling characteristics of the truck. It FEELS lighter now, and I've raised the center of gravity a bit & brought it rearward too. I honestly never really take the truck off road, I'll mostly be doing highway driving and towing my motorcycles with it.

 

Plus, brush guards can very seriously affect your airbag deployment timing in a front-end collision. I work in the auto industry, and several friends of mine who do airbag engineering warned me pretty quickly after I brought the truck home that it would be a good idea to remove it. Something to keep in mind! :o)

[nunya]

Once B finds his way here you might be able to get thy brush guar a new home...

 

 

Welcome!!!

[EarlFairweather]

Plus, brush guards can very seriously affect your airbag deployment timing in a front-end collision. I work in the auto industry, and several friends of mine who do airbag engineering warned me pretty quickly after I brought the truck home that it would be a good idea to remove it. Something to keep in mind! :o)

 

Ha thats what the Bush Bar is for! You don't even need airbags haha

[Pezzy]

Plus, brush guards can very seriously affect your airbag deployment timing in a front-end collision. I work in the auto industry, and several friends of mine who do airbag engineering warned me pretty quickly after I brought the truck home that it would be a good idea to remove it. Something to keep in mind! :o)

 

Pretty sure your friends wont like my bumper then!!

 

I like it better without the brushguard. Nice pathy, I don't see that colour around here much.

 

Welcome to NPORA!